Broccoli Aglio e Olio
Sometimes the best dishes are the simplest. In the world of Italian Cooking, Aglio e Olio aka garlic and oil are one of those timeless pasta recipes that proves you don't need a long list of ingredients to create something deeply satisfying. Traditionally, it's made with spaghetti, olive oil, garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes. But with one little addition - broccoli - this humble dish takes on new life, simplicity, lightness, freshness and even more nourishing.
Ingredients:
2 - 3 cups of fresh broccoli (stems are optional)
1/2 pound spaghetti
6 - 8 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon butter (optional)
3/4 cup Olive oil
Directions:
1. When using fresh broccoli, peel the bottom part of the stem with a peeler. Start by cutting from the bottom and trim about an inch off the trunk. Cut away the florets and slice down the middle of each floret giving yourself two pieces from one floret. Discard the stem.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt when the water starts to boil. Add the florets and cook for about three - five minutes. Drain and place cooked broccoli in a bowl and put to the side.
Bring another pot of water to a boil for spaghetti. Aways add salt after the water starts to boil.
3. While the water for spaghetti is being heated, heat a large skillet and add olive oil. When oil starts to sizzle, add garlic, crushed red pepper, lemon and butter. Heat ingredients on low heat.
4. When water is boiling, add spaghetti to the pot. Al dente takes about eight minutes.
5. Add cooked broccoli to the skillet filled with Olive Oil and garlic. Toss broccoli so it gets coated with the oil. Don't be afraid to add more Olive Oil. Add starch water (from spaghetti) to the skillet.
6. When Spaghetti is done, drain well. Add to a dish and top with the Broccoli and Olive Oil mixture. Sprinkle some Parmesan Cheese on top. Serve with bread for dipping.
Tips:
*Frozen broccoli (florets) work well. It's best to partially heat up in microwave with butter as broccoli will continue to cook in the skillet.
*Although, not traditional, butter does add a nice texture to the garlic and olive oil mixture.
Vegan Options: use vegan butter or none at all.
**Many put the cooked spaghetti in the skillet and toss with the broccoli and olive oil.
***Don't be afraid to add more Olive Oil - if you don't want to use too much Olive Oil, try adding a smudge of chicken or vegetable stock (again, not traditional), but it does add a nice flavor.
Enjoy!